Katsukita Central Park: Is 4.9-Star Tonkatsu Worth the Wait? | Qpon X

Every time I pass by this Katsukita at Central Park, Jakarta, there's always a huge crowd at the door. It has a 4.9-star rating with almost 4000+ reviews on Google, for real? I happened to be here to Nongkrong today, so I'll check it out for you all and see if it's just a rip-off!

The ambiance is okay once you get in, a pretty clean Japanese fast-food style. It's just that it gets really crowded during meal times, a bit noisy, and the tables for two are pitifully small[1]; it feels like they're full with just two set meals. On weekends during peak hours, you'll basically have to queue for 10-15 minutes[2], so if you're impatient, you might want to think twice.

Let's See What the Food is Really Made Of

I had a hard time deciding from the menu, so I just went straight for a few of their signature dishes:

Chicken Cheese Katsu: This one gets a definite thumbs up! The outside is fried to a perfect crisp, and with one bite, the cheese inside just oozes out, Anjay! Cheese lovers, you can go for this without a second thought[3].
Tempeh Katsu: This one is pretty interesting. They've turned the Indonesian national treasure, tempeh, into a Japanese-style katsu. The texture is fantastic, with a crispy, crunchy, beany flavor. I've never seen this anywhere else[4].
Gyukatsu (Beef): Beef lovers can give this a try. The crust is crispy, and the meat is pretty juicy[5]. However, I overheard the table next to me saying that the doneness can be inconsistent sometimes, so it's best to specify your preferred level of doneness to the waiter when you order.

Okay, Let's Talk Real (Whispering My Complaints)

Although the fried food itself is Mantap, it's not without its flaws.

First off, the flavor is a bit of a Schrödinger's cat. My friend found their curry too salty, while another thought the hot pot dish was too sweet[6]. The rice can also be a bit too soft and mushy at times, which affects the texture.

Secondly, the portion size. If you're a guy or have a big appetite, ordering just a single katsu might feel a bit small[7]. I'd recommend going for the set meal, which comes with rice, soup, and salad—it's a safer bet.

The most frustrating thing is that some popular dishes might be sold out during peak hours! I originally wanted to order the beef, but was told it was sold out. Heartbroken on the spot 💔[8]. As for the service, it can get a bit chaotic when it's busy, so slow service or missed orders happen occasionally[9].

Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls & Money-Saving Tips

Still here after all the complaints? You must be a true fan. Here are a few solid tips for you:

Overall, it's a Halal Japanese restaurant with good value for money, suitable for a small get-together with friends or a family meal. The taste is on point, but don't come with Michelin-level expectations. If you're just looking to satisfy a craving for some crispy fried food, this is a great choice. 👍

1. Go early if you want to eat! Avoid the peak lunch and dinner times on weekends, otherwise, you'll not only have to queue, but what you want to eat might also be gone.
2. Cheese lovers, head straight for the Chicken Cheese Katsu.
3. If you want to try something new, give the Tempeh Katsu a shot; it has a great Lokal touch.
4. Money-saving tip: You can get free refills on Ocha[10], so drink up and get your money's worth!
5. Hidden perk: If it's your birthday, their free birthday meal is pretty good and worth a try[11]!

Let's See What the Food is Really Made Of

I had a hard time deciding from the menu, so I just went straight for a few of their signature dishes:

Chicken Cheese Katsu: This one gets a definite thumbs up! The outside is fried to a perfect crisp, and with one bite, the cheese inside just oozes out, Anjay! Cheese lovers, you can go for this without a second thought[3].
Tempeh Katsu: This one is pretty interesting. They've turned the Indonesian national treasure, tempeh, into a Japanese-style katsu. The texture is fantastic, with a crispy, crunchy, beany flavor. I've never seen this anywhere else[4].
Gyukatsu (Beef): Beef lovers can give this a try. The crust is crispy, and the meat is pretty juicy[5]. However, I overheard the table next to me saying that the doneness can be inconsistent sometimes, so it's best to specify your preferred level of doneness to the waiter when you order.

Okay, Let's Talk Real (Whispering My Complaints)

Although the fried food itself is Mantap, it's not without its flaws.

Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls & Money-Saving Tips

Still here after all the complaints? You must be a true fan. Here are a few solid tips for you:

1. Go early if you want to eat! Avoid the peak lunch and dinner times on weekends, otherwise, you'll not only have to queue, but what you want to eat might also be gone.
2. Cheese lovers, head straight for the Chicken Cheese Katsu.
3. If you want to try something new, give the Tempeh Katsu a shot; it has a great Lokal touch.
4. Money-saving tip: You can get free refills on Ocha[10], so drink up and get your money's worth!
5. Hidden perk: If it's your birthday, their free birthday meal is pretty good and worth a try[11]!

Google's 4.9-Star Tonkatsu: Worth the 15-minute queue at Central Park?

Let's See What the Food is Really Made Of

Okay, Let's Talk Real (Whispering My Complaints)

Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls & Money-Saving Tips